Clare County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 48th-largest in Michigan
The population of Clare County, Michigan is 31,109 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 48th-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $49,805, the median home value is $117,400, and the median age is 48.3.
The population of Clare County has grown 1.3% since 2010 (31,005 → 31,405), a +0.09% annualized rate.
31,109
Population
+0.09%
Annual growth
55
People / sq mi
$49,805
Median Income
$117,400
Median Home Value
Clare County covers 564 sq mi of land at 55.1 people per square mile.
About Clare County, MI
Homeownership is the standout figure in Clare County: 86.2% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Clare County is a county in Michigan with a population of 31,109. It ranks #48 among counties in Michigan by population.
The typical household earns $49,805, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 15.8%, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $117,400, with typical rent around $743.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 13.0%, below the national 35.0%. Around 10.1% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Clare County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Clare County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Clare County had a population of 31,005 in 2010 and 31,405 in 2024, a 1.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 31,405 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.09%.
31,405
Population (2024)
31,005
Population (2010)
31,405
Peak (2024)
0.09%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 31,005 |
| 2011 | 31,002 |
| 2012 | 30,796 |
| 2013 | 30,598 |
| 2014 | 30,727 |
| 2015 | 30,611 |
| 2016 | 30,382 |
| 2017 | 30,553 |
| 2018 | 30,684 |
| 2019 | 30,884 |
| 2020 | 30,843 |
| 2021 | 31,143 |
| 2022 | 31,321 |
| 2023 | 31,376 |
| 2024 | 31,405 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
48.3
Median Age
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Male
24.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.4% · Seniors (65+): 24.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,805$-21,344 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,300 |
| Per-capita income | $27,619 |
| Poverty rate | 15.8%+7.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 42.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Clare County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
2.8%
Carpool
74.4%
Public transit
10.1%
Work from home
28.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$117,400$-100,200 vs state
Median home value
$743
Median rent
86.2%
Homeownership rate
21,953
Total housing units
55.3%
Occupied
44.7%
Vacant
13.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.3%
With health insurance
89.3%
With broadband internet
13.6%
Foreign-born
9.6%
Veterans (18+)
23.6%
With a disability
94.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.2%
High School+
13.0%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Clare County, Michigan has a population of 31,109 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 48th-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 55 people per square mile.
The population of Clare County has grown 1.3% since 2010 (31,005 → 31,405), a +0.09% annualized rate.
The median household income in Clare County, Michigan is $49,805, with mean (average) household income of $66,300 and per-capita income of $27,619. 15.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Clare County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.4%), Hispanic or Latino (2.5%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Clare County, Michigan is 48.3 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
The median home value in Clare County is $117,400 and median monthly rent is $743. 86.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 21,953 total housing units, 44.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Clare County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Clare County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Michigan
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.